See philosophy in a fantastical shower of hazy blossoms!?

This footpath gets its name because an influential philosopher used to walk along it, lost in contemplation. About 400 sakura trees blossom along the approximately 1.5 km walk which follows the Lake Biwa Canal from Nyakuoji Bridge to Ginkaku-ji Temple. As you walk down the tunnel of sakura trees, you enter a fantastical world of hazy blossoms. The shower of falling blossoms dancing in the wind and the petals drifting by on the surface of the river are a perfect match for the mood of the Philosopher's Walk.

Viewing period

End of March to beginning of April* Depending on the weather, natural conditions etc., it may not be possible to see views like the ones in the photos / articles above. Furthermore, blooming and event schedules may vary.

Address

Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Access

Take the Kyoto City Bus bound for Shijo-kawaramachi / Ginkakuji from "Kyoto Station" of JR Tokaido Shinkansen for approx. 36 minutes, alight at "Ginkakuji-michi". * Travel time by bus is only an estimate. The bus may be delayed or be suspended according to traffic conditions, etc.